1 Chronicles 6:33-38
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to skim over the lineage here, but notice that Heman, a prominent leader in worship, is directly linked back to Samuel, the revered prophet and judge. This isn't just genealogy; it highlights how God weaves together different callings—prophecy, leadership, and the vital ministry of music and praise—into one incredible tapestry of service.
These are the men who served and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer the son of Joel, son of Samuel, son of Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Eliel, son of Toah, son of Zuph, son of Elkanah, son of Mahath, son of Amasai, son of Elkanah, son of Joel, son of Azariah, son of Zephaniah, son of Tahath, son of Assir, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, son of Israel;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a long genealogical list detailing the Levitical families appointed to specific duties in worship. Following the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual center and the return of the Ark, David is organizing the priestly and Levitical service. This verse specifically introduces Heman, a prominent Levite from the Kohathite clan, highlighting his lineage and his important role as a musician.
We often focus on the 'big names' in the Bible, but what about the families behind them? This verse highlights a lineage dedicated to worship.
A Legacy of Worship
This verse points to Heman, a prominent singer in Israel's worship, and traces his lineage back through his father Joel, all the way to Samuel the prophet. This isn't just a list of names; it's a testament to a family deeply involved in serving God.
The Kohathites' Role
The Kohathites were a division of the Levites, tasked with carrying and caring for the most sacred items in the Tabernacle and later the Temple – the Ark of the Covenant included. Their service was crucial, intimate, and required immense reverence.
Heman's role as a singer wasn't secondary; it was central to the public worship of God. It shows that service takes many forms, from the weighty task of carrying sacred objects to the powerful expression of music and praise.
When you hear 'Samuel,' what comes to mind? This verse places him at the end of a significant spiritual line, impacting his grandson Heman's ministry.
The Foundation of a Prophet
Samuel is one of the most pivotal figures in Israel's history. He was a prophet, a priest, and a judge – a true spiritual leader. His dedication to God, demonstrated from his childhood dedication in 1 Samuel 1, laid the groundwork for his descendants.
Ask a follow-up
Impact on Future Generations
The influence of a life lived faithfully for God can extend far beyond their own lifetime. Samuel's deep connection with God and his obedience equipped his son Joel, who in turn raised Heman to serve in a vital role of worship. This highlights the profound impact of godly parenting and mentorship.
Understand the original words
Kehathi · Hebrew Noun
A descendant of Levi through Kohath. They were a principal Levite clan tasked with the most holy duties, including the care and transportation of the sacred vessels of the tabernacle.
shir · Hebrew Noun
A person appointed to vocalize praise, thanksgiving, or lament. In the Old Testament, singers were often Levites who led the assembly in worship, using their voices to glorify God.
Elqanah · Hebrew Proper Noun
An Israelite name meaning 'God has created' or 'God has purchased.' In the lineage of the Levites, it represents the specific genealogical descent of the priestly and Levitical lines established by God's covenant.
Yo'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning 'Yahweh is God.' It is a common name in Israel, signifying the covenantal recognition of the Lord's deity over His people.
Azaryah · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning 'Yahweh has helped.' It reflects the theological theme of God's active involvement and assistance in the lives of His servants and the nation of Israel.
Tsephanyah · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning 'Yahweh has hidden' or 'treasured.' It suggests the protection and security God affords His people, keeping them as His valued possession.
Tachath · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning 'fear' or 'subjection.' In a biblical context, it often points to the appropriate posture of humility and reverence before the presence and authority of God.
Assir · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning 'prisoner' or 'captive.' It often appears in genealogies; theologically, it can remind the reader of Israel's history of bondage and subsequent redemption by God.
Ebyasaph · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning 'My father has gathered.' It echoes the covenantal theme of God gathering His people together as a distinct nation and community.
Qorach · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning 'bald' or 'ice.' Korah was a Levite who famously rebelled against Moses' leadership, serving as a solemn historical reminder of the danger of challenging God-ordained authority.
Yitshar · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning 'shining' or 'oil.' He was a son of Kohath and father of Korah, marking a significant branch within the Levitical priesthood.
Qehath · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning 'assembly' or 'congregation.' The Kohathites were a primary division of the Levites, specifically charged with the care of the holy vessels of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the sanctity of serving God.
Levi · Hebrew Proper Noun
The third son of Jacob and the ancestor of the tribe set apart for service to God. The tribe of Levi had no land inheritance, as 'the Lord is their inheritance,' emphasizing a life totally devoted to religious service.
Yisra'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
The name given to Jacob by God after he wrestled with the angel. It designates the chosen people of God, the covenant community, and the promise that through this nation all families of the earth would be blessed.
This passage connects worship leaders directly to the revered prophet Samuel, emphasizing the deep spiritual heritage and God-ordained lineage that underpinned the music and service in David's Tabernacle and later Solomon's Temple.
c. 1100 BC
Samuel's Ministry Begins
Samuel, a key prophet and judge, begins his significant ministry, serving as a spiritual leader for Israel during a tumultuous period.
c. 1080 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, marking a major shift from the period of judges to monarchy.
c. 1050 BC
David Anointed King
David, a descendant of Kohath through his great-grandmother Ruth, is secretly anointed king while Saul is still reigning.
c. 1010 BC
David Establishes Jerusalem
King David captures Jerusalem and makes it the capital of Israel, planning for the construction of the Temple.
c. 1005 BC
Ark Brought to Jerusalem
David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem with great celebration, establishing it as the religious center.
c. 1005 BC— this verse
Heman Appointed Musician Leader
Heman, grandson of Samuel and a Kohathite Levite, is appointed by David as a chief musician in the worship at Jerusalem. This verse highlights his lineage and role.
c. 966 BC
Solomon's Temple Completed
Solomon completes the Temple in Jerusalem, and the Levitical musicians, including Heman's lineage, continue their appointed service.
This passage introduces Samuel, the father of Heman mentioned in Chronicles, highlighting his miraculous birth and dedication to God's service from a young age. It sets the stage for the lineage of service that Heman would embody.
1 Chronicles 15:19This verse directly links Heman to the musical service in the tabernacle, naming him as one of the Levites appointed to 'play instruments of brass' when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. It shows Heman actively fulfilling his role as a musician.
Psalm 88:1The superscription of this psalm attributes it to Heman, identifying him as the 'leader of the temple musicians.' This psalm, known for its profound sorrow, offers a glimpse into the personal spiritual life and struggles of the man entrusted with leading worship.
Exodus 31:6While not naming individuals, this passage speaks to the broader context of skilled artisans and musicians being 'filled with the Spirit of God' for their service in the tabernacle. This foundational principle likely applied to Heman and his dedication to his musical calling.
It's easy to skim over the lineage here, but notice that Heman, a prominent leader in worship, is directly linked back to Samuel, the revered prophet and judge. This isn't just genealogy; it highlights how God weaves together different callings—prophecy, leadership, and the vital ministry of music and praise—into one incredible tapestry of service.
This passage is part of a long genealogical list detailing the Levitical families appointed to specific duties in worship. Following the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual center and the return of the Ark, David is organizing the priestly and Levitical service. This verse specifically introduces Heman, a prominent Levite from the Kohathite clan, highlighting his lineage and his important role as a musician.
This passage is part of a long genealogical list detailing the Levitical families appointed to specific duties in worship. Following the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual center and the return of the Ark, David is organizing the priestly and Levitical service. This verse specifically introduces Heman, a prominent Levite from the Kohathite clan, highlighting his lineage and his important role as a musician.
"These are the men who served and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer the son of Joel, son of Samuel, son of Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Eliel, son of Toah, son of Zuph, son of Elkanah, son of Mahath, son of Amas…" — It's easy to skim over the lineage here, but notice that Heman, a prominent leader in worship, is directly linked back to Samuel, the revered prophet and judge. This isn't just genealogy; it highligh…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
